Every Oregon fan in the country knew Bo Nix could be a star at the next level if he was just given the chance. When the Denver Broncos and head coach Sean Payton gave Nix that chance, as well as fellow Duck Troy Franklin, Oregon fans knew the stars were aligning.
Throughout his rookie season in the NFL, Nix grew and matured into an elite professional quarterback as he led the Broncos to their first berth in the Playoffs since 2015 – nearly a decade.
Now, despite Nix and Denver being eliminated after their Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills, the former Oregon quarterback has been listed as a finalist for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Here are all the finalists for the AP Awards, to be handed out during NFL Honors: https://t.co/BqfSjwTQD0https://t.co/BqfSjwTQD0
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 23, 2025
Already this postseason, Nix was named as a finalist for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year award, alongside fellow former Oregon star, running back Bucky Irving. While his on-field stats were incredible for a rookie quarterback, Nix's off-field characteristics and leadership style gained him further notoriety in the league.
Nix, who reportedly played through a fractured back during a stretch of the season, refused to let discomfort sideline him because he wanted to be there for his teammates. He became a leader for the Denver Broncos both on and off the field, which Payton repeatedly commented on and shared just how impressed he was by the young quarterback.
While leadership is an incredible attribute for a rookie player to possess, Nix's on-field performances were also one for the books as he led the Broncos into the postseason.
Bo Nix NFL rookie stats (regular season)
- 376 completions (66.3 percent)
- 3,775 passing yards
- 29 passing touchdowns
- 12 interceptions
- 92 carries
- 430 rushing yards
- 4 rushing touchdowns
- 2 fumbles (0 lost)
In Denver's one postseason game of the year, Nix earned 144 yards through the air for 1 touchdown (to Troy Franklin) and 0 interceptions. He also ran for 43 rushing yards in the matchup.
The only rookie quarterback to truly outshine Nix was Heisman-winning quarterback and former LSU Tiger Jayden Daniels who is still in the postseason as he and the Washington Commanders prepare to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game.